The survey was conducted during the 1998–1999 school year. Maine was divided into six regions based on information provided by a staff epidemiologist in the Department of Human Services. Elementary schools within each region were randomly selected from the 1997–1998 list of public elementary schools. The sample within each region was proportional to the number of enrolled students in the region making the final sample self-weighting. All children in kindergarten and 3rd grade within selected schools were included in the sample. The planned sample size was approximately 15 percent of the 1997–1998 school year kindergarten and 3rd grade enrollment. The diagnostic criteria were comparable to ASTDD’s 1999 Basic Screening Survey. Of the children selected, 59% of the kindergartners and 51% of the 3rd graders participated in the survey. Of participating children, 30% of the kindergarteners and 31.2% of the 3rd graders were eligible for the free/reduced lunch program, which was similar to the 32% of 3rd graders eligible for free/reduced lunch statewide. The estimates were not adjusted for nonresponse.

For more information about this survey, contact:

Judith Feinstein, MSPH
Director, Oral Health Program
Bureau of Health
11 State House Station, Key Plaza, 4th Floor
Augusta, ME 04333
Telephone: 207-287-3267
Fax: 207-287-4631
E-mail: judith.a.feinstein@maine.gov